C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Odd voltage reading at start up

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 1, 2011 | 11:06 AM
  #1  
BADDUCK's Avatar
BADDUCK
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Default Odd voltage reading at start up

For the last few weeks when I first start my 1989 L98 the voltage reading on the digi-dash is 11.9 to 12.0V. After driving a few blocks it will jump to 14.2V and hold. When this happens it is quick like throwing a switch. My battery is fairly new tests good, and the alternator only has about 3K on it. This always happens and so far always corrects itself.

What could this be? Voltage regulator in the alternator?
Reply
Old May 1, 2011 | 11:18 AM
  #2  
Richard Church's Avatar
Richard Church
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Lakeside AZ.
Default

Sounds like a regulator to me. I would check with avolt meter just to make sure your dash guage is reading right.
Reply
Old May 1, 2011 | 11:26 AM
  #3  
Richard Church's Avatar
Richard Church
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Lakeside AZ.
Default

Forgot to mention if you have low voltage when you start it up tap the alt with a small hammer if the voltage jumps up to where it should be 14 + you could have alt brushes hanging.
Reply
Old May 1, 2011 | 11:29 AM
  #4  
c4cruiser's Avatar
c4cruiser
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Is the alternator a reman or rebuilt unit? It does sound like the regulator is not working right. Is the serp belt tight??

A voltage reading of 14.1 to 14.3 should be displayed when the engine starts and gradually work down to something like 13.6 to 13.8.
Reply
Old May 1, 2011 | 12:35 PM
  #5  
BADDUCK's Avatar
BADDUCK
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Default

Originally Posted by c4cruiser
Is the alternator a reman or rebuilt unit? It does sound like the regulator is not working right. Is the serp belt tight??

A voltage reading of 14.1 to 14.3 should be displayed when the engine starts and gradually work down to something like 13.6 to 13.8.
The alternator is a new built unit by Motor City. Yeah, I think something is amiss with the alternator too. All the connections are good. Everything on the digi dash is working perfectly. Serp belt was replaced with the alternator and is tight. It is like something is delayed or hanging in it's operation. It has a lifetime free replacement warranty. I was hoping not to have to go through the hassle.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Odd voltage reading at start up





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:21 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE